Thursday, July 28, 2011

Tuscany on the road

This is an idea of a two days travel to visit Tuscany on the road.

First stage, Florence.
Obviously, this is a "must" step. The numerous works of art there would deserve a longer stop, but given the time available, I would suggest you to spend a morning strolling through the city center, starting from Piazza Duomo.
In the square, located in the heart of the historic center of Florence, you can admire the Cathedral, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery of S. John. The visit could continue onto the elegant Via de Calzaiuoli to reach Piazza Signoria, Florence's central square a few meters from the famous Ponte Vecchio.
The short walk might move towards Via de Tornabuoni, with perhaps a brief moment of relax, drinking a cup of coffee in the historical bar Paszkowski in Piazza della Repubblica. Via de 'Tornabuoni, is a luxurious way of the historic center between Piazza Antinori to bridge of the Holy Trinity. It is one of the most elegant streets of Florence since the Renaissance, which is overlooked by many historical buildings, and that today is also characterized by the presence of the best high fashion designer boutiques and jewelry shops.

Before lunch, next stop is Greve in Chianti, Via Chiantigiana. This is the scenic road that leads from Florence to Siena, passing through the Chianti Classico area dominated by hills, villages, castles and country houses of the famous wine-producing DOCG. The stop in Greve in Chianti is dedicated to the tasting of wines and typical Tuscan cuisine, perhaps visiting one of the many wineries of the famous wine producers of the place.

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

The province of Grosseto, Tuscany.

Sovana was a flourishing Etruscan center, and was then an important city in Roman times, so much so that in the early centuries of Christianity it became a bishopric. It was conquered by the Lombards, and came under the dominion of the Duchy Aldobrandeschi which extends to the whole province of Grosseto. Then it passed to the Orsini family for inheritance it was sacked and destroyed by the Sienese.
From Aldobrandesca Rocca, along a tiles pavement, we arrive at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, enclosed between the symbols of the powers which have ruled, Sovana still retains its original charm and splendor. In the Praetorian Square you can admire the Praetorian Palace, the Loggia del Capitano, the
Palazzo of the Archives and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the seventeenth-century Palazzo Bourbon del Monte, leaning against the ancient Church of San Mamiliano.